Communications

BEST has cultivated a vibrant communications team to support raising awareness about the importance of science and math education in general, and cutting-edge career opportunities with the U.S. Department of Defense in particular. The BEST team has significant experience in conceptualizing and producing special events, films, websites, branding, collateral development, market research and evaluation.

Communication Tools

Films

LabTV

LabTV is a series of three-minute films showcasing exciting and cutting-edge research happening in our nation’s defense labs. Each film is designed to appeal to middle- and high-school students by connecting science and math to the real world. Accompanying teacher guides are available for download. BEST served as executive producer for 71 episodes produced by Vanderpool Films.

DoD STEM Role Model Films

The search for career opportunities can be daunting for college students. Millenials said they want video: BEST developed a campaign featuring personal stories of early-career role models and worked with Vanderpool Films to produce hundreds of films in which DoD scientists and engineers share how and why they chose to make the DoD labs their professional home.

Science, Mathematics & Research for Transformation (SMART Scholars)

The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM disciplines to receive a full scholarship and be gainfully employed upon degree completion. BEST executive produced an introductory film about SMART produced by Vanderpool Films.

Special Events

USA Science & Engineering Festival

The USA Science & Engineering Festival (USASEF) is a national grassroots effort to advance STEM education and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Exhibitors, performers, speakers, partners, sponsors and advisors are a who-is-who of science and engineering in the United States: from major academic centers and leading research institutes and government agencies to cutting-...

XSTEM Symposium

Middle and high school students participate in hands-on learning opportunities at the XSTEM Symposium organized by BEST and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Viva Technology by Great Minds in STEM

Great Minds in STEM’s (GMiS) Viva Technology™ is a national K-12 education program designed to engage students, teachers and parents with STEM challenges that stimulate their interest in the application of technology and provide STEM-focused career pathways.

Reports

Developing the Future STEM Workforce

This report describes the joint efforts of the Office of Naval Research, the Naval Sea Systems Command, the Naval Air Systems Command, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, the Marine Corps Systems Command, the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, and many other Navy and Marine Corps STEM stakeholders.

The Talent Imperative: Filling the Navy Pipeline in STEM

This report describes the joint effort of the Naval Systems Commands, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory to craft an approach to K-12 STEM outreach that meets the Navy’s talent imperative. BEST produced this report in support of the more than 30 communities around the country where the Navy maintains state-of-the-art research facilities.

Building the Navy STEM Pipeline: A Community-Based Approach

This Navy report describes the joint effort of the Naval Systems Commands to craft an approach to K-12 STEM outreach that meets the Navy’s STEM imperative. Its purpose is to provide insight and guidance in preparation for efforts in FY2013 and beyond. BEST produced this report in support of the Naval SYSCOMs.

Awareness Campaign Materials

DoD STEM Website

DoD scientists and engineers work at the cutting edge of our nation's most advanced technological breakthroughs. BEST has worked with the Office of the Secretary of Defense since 2007 to increase awareness about wide-ranging exciting career opportunities available within the DoD labs. The www.DoDSTEM.us website serves as a gateway to this world by showcasing important work being done in our...

Branded Conference Materials

BEST has supported DoD STEM for dozens of community events, conferences, tradeshows and career fairs with branded materials touting the importance of science and math education and developing critical thinking skills.

About

We are a San Diego-based public-private partnership whose vision is to tap the potential of all Americans to strengthen U.S. leadership in science and technology.